The Jacksonville Jaguars have decided to add a familiar face (for Kansas City Chiefs fans) to their team following Week 11. The team announced the signing of veteran safety Juan Thornhill to the practice squad on Monday.
Thornhill was most recently let go by the Pittsburgh Steelers after a frustrating first half of the season. The Steelers signed Thornhill to a one-year deal in free agency and called him a Week 1 starter. However, the team was ready to move on after watching the veteran struggle in rotational reps for Teryl Austin's defense.
It's been a steep fall for Thornhill in recent years after departing the Chiefs in the spring of 2023. The Cleveland Browns signed him away from Kansas City in free agency with a three-year deal worth up to $21 million. However, Cleveland cut ties with Thornhill after two disappointing seasons partially affected by injuries.
Juan Thornhill has found a fourth home in the NFL, although the fall has been a steep one since leaving Kansas City.
Following a failed stint in Pittsburgh, it was safe to assume Thornhill would have to settle for roster scraps, and that's certainly the case in Jacksonville, where he occupies a practice squad role. The team had an open spot, so Thornhill didn't force someone out of a job. He also gives the Jags some veteran insurance at safety, since the only other player on the PS at the position is rookie free agent Cam'Ron Silmon-Craig.
The Chiefs drafted Thornhill in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft out of Virginia Tech and he teamed with Tyrann Mathieu to form a nice starting tandem for years. But the selection of Bryan Cook in the 2022 NFL Draft and the presence of Justin Reid made it clear that the Chiefs weren't going to extend him following the expiration of his rookie contract.
The good news for Thornhill here is that he joins a team still in playoff contention. The Jaguars just throttled the Los Angeles Chargers and hold a tie-breaker edge over the Chiefs as well from their Week 5 victory.
Thornhill has 8 interceptions in 96 regular-season games in his NFL career. A two-time Super Bowl champion, Thornhill's greatest contribution to the Jaguars might be his extensive postseason experience for a younger roster.